The Bayou Boys have officially closed their popular cheesesteak and pierogi brand, Wiz Kidz, at two locations in Pennsylvania. The restaurants in Bethlehem and Allentown have ceased operations as the co-owners consider the future of their business. The Allentown site closed permanently in late December 2023, while the Bethlehem location remains temporarily closed, according to co-owner Mo Taylor.
Located at 65 E. Elizabeth Ave. in Bethlehem and 751 Union Blvd. in Allentown, the Wiz Kidz brand was launched in the fall of 2018 by Taylor, along with partners Cristian Duarte, Jerry Straub, and Matt Weaver. Over the past six months, the team has deliberated over the potential sale of the Wiz Kidz brand, which would include their business recipes and the Bethlehem building. Taylor indicated that a decision regarding the Bethlehem site could come within the next few weeks.
In a significant shift for the business, the Bayou Boys have transferred their popular pierogi recipes to their production team to ensure continued availability. This transition occurred in early January 2024, as the owners aim to maintain the production of their signature items.
The partnership among the Bayou Boys dates back over a decade, originating when they worked together at the now-closed Starter’s Riverport Restaurant in Bethlehem. After the restaurant shut its doors in 2013, they decided to establish their own brand, which has since included both Wiz Kidz and other Bayou restaurants in the Lehigh Valley. Known for its nostalgic decor reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, Wiz Kidz offered a unique dining experience with its signature cheese blend sandwiches.
The closure of the Allentown site marks the second Wiz Kidz location to shut down within less than a year. Earlier, the Madison Farms shopping center location in Bethlehem Township closed in April 2025 and relocated operations to Allentown. Following this change, Bayou Boys Pierogies continued to be crafted at the Allentown site, which is now focused on that product line. The Madison Farms location has since been replaced by Tikka Shack, which opened last month.
Additionally, the owners closed their downtown Easton location of The Bayou Southern Kitchen & Bar in August 2025 due to a consolidation of their full-service operations. That site is now home to Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, which moved from Nazareth. Despite these closures, the Bayou Boys continue to operate The Bayou Bethlehem: Southern Kitchen & Bar, located at 702 Hawthorne Road in Bethlehem, a restaurant initiated by Taylor and Duarte in 2014.
As the Bayou Boys evaluate their options, the future of Wiz Kidz remains uncertain, but they are committed to maintaining the essence of their culinary offerings. With a potential sale on the horizon, the team is hopeful about finding a path forward that preserves their legacy in the local dining community.
